Viralata - Matthieu Dupont de Dinechin writes:
Chantier Libre is a non-profit fablab I founded 3 years ago which promotes the use of libre softwares and open hardware. Of course Blender is one of my main tool there for 3D printing and CNC machining (thanks to the awesome BlenderCAM).
We launched a crowdfunding campaign to allow us to build more machines (SLA and ceramic 3D printer, big size 3D printer, thermoforming machine...) and mainly to build the first prototype for our openhardware big CNC machine Fraizilla.
This CNC is designed to cut 2.5x1.25m panels for projects like Opendesk or Wikihouse.
The estimated cost is under 6500€.The design is easily extendable. The steel frame can be build in a workshop with lasercutter and metalsheet folding machines. All the other components are standard an easy to find online.
Here is a video introducing Fraizilla:
Of course the video is completely made in Blender: the CNC is fully rigged so that everything moves accordingly to the movements of the head.
You can support us so that we publish all the design files (freecad files and building instructions).
And in case you wonder, the name Fraizilla is because in french fraise means strawberry and cutter, and the machine is big and powerfull ;-)
You may have noticed I don't feature many crowdfunding campaigns here on BlenderNation. I typically look at the reputation of the team behind a project, the usefulness to the Blender or open source community and finally if I feel the project will be successful.
I think this one hits all three targets. Matthieu Dupont de Dinechin [Viralata] is a well-known community member, the project plans are already advanced and I think they can pull it off. And well, having more open source hardware is always a good thing :)
